Current marine resource management approaches, which primarily focus on a single species, sector, activity or concern, often do not incorporate these interconnections and linkages. An emerging concept in marine resources management is ecosystem-based management, which takes a broader perspective approach to marine resource management. Ecosystem-based management is an integrated approach to management that considers the entire ecosystem, including humans. Though there is consensus on the definition and key elements of marine ecosystem-based management, scientists and managers are now challenged with defining the practical application of ecosystem-based management.

The Nearshore Strategy was drafted as a first step in examining nearshore fish and wildlife management issues in a broader social and ecological context. The scientific and regulatory community currently lack specific implementation information for this comprehensive approach. The first iteration of the Nearshore Strategy takes feasible steps in the direction of a broader management perspective and its application. Over the course of time, the Nearshore Strategy will take further steps towards this broader approach, as additional information becomes available and management programs evolve.

Nearshore Ecosystem, Species, and Habitats

The Nearshore Strategy describes nearshore species, habitats, and factors that can affect Oregon's nearshore environment and begins to define both ecological and social linkages influencing the nearshore ecosystem. Synthesizing this information is a first step towards looking at the nearshore ecosystem as a whole; by beginning to identify biological linkages within the system, information gaps, and factors affecting nearshore species and habitats.

The information compiled and analyzed by the Nearshore Team identifies:

key nearshore species and associated conservation needs;

factors affecting species and habitats, including major contributors and potential management partners;

nearshore habitats and species-habitat associations; and

nearshore research and monitoring needs.

This information, along with public input, was used by the Nearshore Team to help formulate recommended ODFW actions as part of the Nearshore Strategy and will also be used and built upon in future management and monitoring efforts.

Nearshore Speciesand Habitats

key nearshore species found in Oregon, conservation needs, habitat associations, anthropogenic and natural factors affecting species

Strategy Species - Species determined to have conservation needs in greatest need of management attention and to have the greatest potential for benefit from management actions. Strategy species provide a focus for planning and prioritizing specific conservation, management, and research actions by ODFW and other partners.

Watch List Species - Identified as important nearshore species that do not require immediate management action, but may in the future. Managers should be aware of conservation needs and potential factors affecting these species.

Factors Affecting Strategy Species and Habitats - anthropogenic and natural factors that could have the greatest effect on key nearshore habitats and species. See page 33 & 34 (pdf) in chapter 5 of the Nearshore Strategy

Management Partners for Addressing Anthropogenic Factors - agencies and institutions that would likely be involved in management actions to address particular anthropogenic factors affecting nearshore species and habitats. See page 38 (pdf) in chapter 5 of the Nearshore Strategy

Sensitivity of Strategy Species – Factors for which Strategy Species exhibit sensitivity potentially trigger management action. See page 35 (pdf) in chapter 5 of the Nearshore Strategy

Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Contact ODFW's Public Service Representative at: odfw.info@state.or.us
Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? Contact: odfw.comments@state.or.us